My decision is to produce two promotional posters and a DVD cover for a new zombie film. Below are gatherings of my research in order to develop ideas for my posters and DVD.
Definition of the thriller genre: In terms of films, the thriller genre consists of aspects designed to add tension, excitement, and fear. Because thrillers can consist of a rather complex narrative, several other genres may overlap, creating hybrid films. The thriller genre is sometimes confused with the horror genre, as in both films there is often a narrative dictating that the protagonists need to escape from, or attack the villains. Devices such as 'red herrings' and 'cliffhangers' are often used in order to surprise the audience, therefore representing the films as unpredictable, and mysterious.
Examples of thriller films consisting of hybridity:
1. 'The Woman In Black' (2012): Instantly, it is clear that the thriller genre is present, as in the opening sequence, a group of young girls commit suicide by jumping out of their bedroom window. This creates an ambigious effect, as the suicide is mysterious, which therefore shows that the film conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre. However, in one particular scene, when the protagonist Arthur looks out the window he spots the 'woman in black' standing there in the graveyard. Here, it is clear that this is an expectation of the horror genre, as graveyards are often used in horror films to create a sinister and frightening effect. In the final sequence however, as an audience we expect that the 'woman in black' will forgive and become moral. However, the opposite of this happens, as she causes Arthur's son to kill himself. Arthur therefore jumps into the railway track to save him and they both end up dead. As an audience, this is not what you would expect to happen. The plot in the film causes us to think differently, therefore creating a 'red herring'. Therefore, it is clear that this film conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre, whilst at the same time including hybridity due to the genre of horror which is also present.
2. 'Flightplan' (2005): It is also clear that this film contains hybridity due to the genres of thriller and drama. The drama lies in the concept of the bereaved mother and her child suffering from the loss of her husband, as the loss of loved ones is evidently an issue that happens in everyday life, causing people to emotionally struggle. However, despite this representation of the mother being weak and vulnerable, when she discovers that her child is nowhere to be seen on the plane, she plays an incredibly active role by fighting with the staff in order to save her daughter. This shows a subversion of roles, as often in many films the female plays a passive role. The tagline 'If Someone Took Everything You Live For... How Far Would You Go To Get It Back?' is an implication that Pratt will do everything she can to find her daughter and protect her, therefore she is by no means a female who is a passive victim. However, there is also an incredibly complex narrative in this film, and originally the staff state that they have never registered Pratt's daughter as a passenger on the plane. This piece of information causes the audience to feel confused, which shows that the film conforms to the typical expectations of the thriller genre, as the use of mystery adds tension to the film. In general, it is clear that 'Flightplan' is a hybrid film due to the presense of drama and horror.
Definition of the thriller genre: In terms of films, the thriller genre consists of aspects designed to add tension, excitement, and fear. Because thrillers can consist of a rather complex narrative, several other genres may overlap, creating hybrid films. The thriller genre is sometimes confused with the horror genre, as in both films there is often a narrative dictating that the protagonists need to escape from, or attack the villains. Devices such as 'red herrings' and 'cliffhangers' are often used in order to surprise the audience, therefore representing the films as unpredictable, and mysterious.
Examples of thriller films consisting of hybridity:
1. 'The Woman In Black' (2012): Instantly, it is clear that the thriller genre is present, as in the opening sequence, a group of young girls commit suicide by jumping out of their bedroom window. This creates an ambigious effect, as the suicide is mysterious, which therefore shows that the film conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre. However, in one particular scene, when the protagonist Arthur looks out the window he spots the 'woman in black' standing there in the graveyard. Here, it is clear that this is an expectation of the horror genre, as graveyards are often used in horror films to create a sinister and frightening effect. In the final sequence however, as an audience we expect that the 'woman in black' will forgive and become moral. However, the opposite of this happens, as she causes Arthur's son to kill himself. Arthur therefore jumps into the railway track to save him and they both end up dead. As an audience, this is not what you would expect to happen. The plot in the film causes us to think differently, therefore creating a 'red herring'. Therefore, it is clear that this film conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre, whilst at the same time including hybridity due to the genre of horror which is also present.
2. 'Flightplan' (2005): It is also clear that this film contains hybridity due to the genres of thriller and drama. The drama lies in the concept of the bereaved mother and her child suffering from the loss of her husband, as the loss of loved ones is evidently an issue that happens in everyday life, causing people to emotionally struggle. However, despite this representation of the mother being weak and vulnerable, when she discovers that her child is nowhere to be seen on the plane, she plays an incredibly active role by fighting with the staff in order to save her daughter. This shows a subversion of roles, as often in many films the female plays a passive role. The tagline 'If Someone Took Everything You Live For... How Far Would You Go To Get It Back?' is an implication that Pratt will do everything she can to find her daughter and protect her, therefore she is by no means a female who is a passive victim. However, there is also an incredibly complex narrative in this film, and originally the staff state that they have never registered Pratt's daughter as a passenger on the plane. This piece of information causes the audience to feel confused, which shows that the film conforms to the typical expectations of the thriller genre, as the use of mystery adds tension to the film. In general, it is clear that 'Flightplan' is a hybrid film due to the presense of drama and horror.
3. 'Black Swan' (2010): This film contains an extremely complex narrative, mostly due to the protagonist's psychological state. As her mind slowly deteriorates throughout the film, the audience is positioned to wonder where her mental illness came from. Is it simply due to the pressure of aspiring to be a 'perfect' ballet dancer, or is it simply because of her efforts to play the Odile? The audience can never be sure of the answer to this question, therefore it is clear that the film certainly conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre due to its mystery and complexity of narrative. The narrative ensures that the audience can never predit what will happen, therefore in the end sequence when Nina accidentally commits suicide, as an audience we are extremely shocked. However, because of Nina's psychological illness, this introduces the theme of drama to the film, as the character's unstable mind shows the audience that she is coping with realistic emotional issues. However, Nina's hallucinations of the villian Von Rothbart creates an element of horror to the film. It is herefore it is clear that 'Black Swan' contains hybridity due to the presense of the thriller and drama genre.
4. 'When A Stranger Calls' (2006) - The narrative in this film is rather distinctive, as we do not see the antagonist towards the end of the film, which creates tension throughout the film, as when the babysitter Jill searches from him down dark corridors, an an audience we are positioned to feel incredibly frightened. It is not necessary for the villian to be instantly spotted, as the consistent calls create suspense and mystery, as we are confused as to where the villian is at this point. We are unsure as to whether or not he is stood right outside the house, or down the road. This creates intense thrills, which therefore concludes this film as a thriller and a horror. The violence towards the end of the film further emphasises the horror present. It is clear that 'When A Stranger Calls' is a hybrid film due to the presense of the thriller and horror genre.
5. 'Scream 4' (2011): Although it is clear that the horror is hugely present in this film, due to the fact that the violence is exploitative, and to some extent, a slasher film, throughout the film we are led to believe that the culprit behind the Ghostface mask is anyone but Sidney's cousin, Jill Roberts. She appears as an innocent teenager who is simply dealing with the betrayal of her ex boyfriend Trevor. However, towards the end of the film we discover that Jill is not innocent at all; she is a manic sociopath who is actually responsible for the murders. When we discover this, as an audience we are incredibly shocked, as we could never have predicted a conclusion like that. However, despite the thrills that this film manages to create, towards the end of the scene in the hospital, Jill is represented as incredibly sinister, which represents the film as a horror. Also, a hospital is a common location used in horror films, which further emphasises the horror that this film creates. In general, it is clear that 'Scream 4' contains hybridity due to the presense of the thriller and horror genre.
Conventions of the thriller genre:
- Quick camera shots
- Music providing tension
- In terms of lighting, the use of shadows and low key lighting
- Locations often used - corridors, hospitals,
- The use of 'red herrings' and cliffhangers
-Enigma (mystery within the narrative)
-Themes of identity, crime and voyeurism (being unaware of being spied on)
- A complex narrative causing the audience to possess false assumptions
-Towards the end of the sequence the protagonist may be in peril
-The flaws of the protagonist are exploited by the antagonist
Representations of gender:
Originally, women in thriller films were represented as submissive and passive victims, whereas in our modern society, women in thrillers are percieved as more active and powerful. Therefore, it it evident that males are generally represented as more dominant in the majority of thrillers, e.g in 'Panic Room' the female protagonists are victimised by male burgalars. However, in films such as 'Flightplan', the female protagonist manages to save her daughter, and the male antagonists die, which shows that in some films, women are portrayed as heroes, rather than victims.
Type Casting:
Type casting is often present in thrillers. For example, in thrillers such as 'Flightplan' and 'Panic Room', the same actress Jodie Foster is used, which shows that she is present in various thriller films.
5. 'Scream 4' (2011): Although it is clear that the horror is hugely present in this film, due to the fact that the violence is exploitative, and to some extent, a slasher film, throughout the film we are led to believe that the culprit behind the Ghostface mask is anyone but Sidney's cousin, Jill Roberts. She appears as an innocent teenager who is simply dealing with the betrayal of her ex boyfriend Trevor. However, towards the end of the film we discover that Jill is not innocent at all; she is a manic sociopath who is actually responsible for the murders. When we discover this, as an audience we are incredibly shocked, as we could never have predicted a conclusion like that. However, despite the thrills that this film manages to create, towards the end of the scene in the hospital, Jill is represented as incredibly sinister, which represents the film as a horror. Also, a hospital is a common location used in horror films, which further emphasises the horror that this film creates. In general, it is clear that 'Scream 4' contains hybridity due to the presense of the thriller and horror genre.
Conventions of the thriller genre:
- Quick camera shots
- Music providing tension
- In terms of lighting, the use of shadows and low key lighting
- Locations often used - corridors, hospitals,
- The use of 'red herrings' and cliffhangers
-Enigma (mystery within the narrative)
-Themes of identity, crime and voyeurism (being unaware of being spied on)
- A complex narrative causing the audience to possess false assumptions
-Towards the end of the sequence the protagonist may be in peril
-The flaws of the protagonist are exploited by the antagonist
Representations of gender:
Originally, women in thriller films were represented as submissive and passive victims, whereas in our modern society, women in thrillers are percieved as more active and powerful. Therefore, it it evident that males are generally represented as more dominant in the majority of thrillers, e.g in 'Panic Room' the female protagonists are victimised by male burgalars. However, in films such as 'Flightplan', the female protagonist manages to save her daughter, and the male antagonists die, which shows that in some films, women are portrayed as heroes, rather than victims.
Type Casting:
Type casting is often present in thrillers. For example, in thrillers such as 'Flightplan' and 'Panic Room', the same actress Jodie Foster is used, which shows that she is present in various thriller films.
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I like several aspects of the above poster, as they have given me ideas for my own. For example, the title looks incredibly effective, as the red font situated on the white background creates a bold effect, and the red is a connotation of danger, which evidently is the theme I will use for my zombie posters. I also like how simple the poster is, as this ensures that the 'zombie' is clearly defined. I may use the style of camera shot too, as I find that the shot of half of a face is more sinister and threatening, therefore producing an effective promotional poster for a DVD cover. Also, the text 'Unrated Director's Cut' in red indicates that there will be more violence present in this film, which suggests that the audience will recieve great thrills from watching the film. Therefore, it is evident that in terms of the design of the poster, 'Dawn Of The Dead' certainly does not challenge the expectations of the thriller genre.
Although I will only be using one model for my promotional posters and DVD cover, I feel that the style of font used is incredibly effective, as the bold, black font in capitals connotates alarm and danger, which clearly shows that the design of the poster conforms to the expectations of the thriller genre. In particular, the words 'of the' postioned to the centre of the poster in a box suggests that the film addresses issues such as confinement, which is an implication that the zombies shall attack the victims, and they shall have nowhere to hide. This creates an intriguing effect, as it positions the audience to consider the ambiguity of the poster.
I feel that the camera shot on this poster is intriguing, as the camera shot shows only half the face, therefore creating a frightening amd ambiguous effect. Also, the white font situated to the middle of the frame on the black background is extremely bold, which creates an incredibly effective look, as it hints that the film is full of terror and thrills, which shows that this poster clearly conforms to the expectations of a horror genre.
I like the camera shot of the two eyes situated towards the top of the frame, as instantly, because of that shot, the poster can be recognised as a film about a supernatural force. I also like the camera shot at the bottom of the poster as well, as the dark figure in the middle is ambiguous and intriguing. The dark figure positioned in the background is represented as passive, which suggests that he will be attacked, therefore adding tension and excitement for the audience, (an expectation of the thriller genre).
Although I will not be using a male model for my promotional posters and DVD cover, I feel that the splatter of blood on the title above is incredibly effective, as it suggests that this film is exploitative in terms of violence. This is one of the typical expectations of the thriller genre. I also feel that the reflection of the female on both sides creates a sinister look, and the expression on her face is an implication that she is by no means submissive; therefore she is not passive. I feel that the mise-en-scene on my own posters and DVD cover should insinuate what the narrative consists of, therefore positioning the audience to become intrigued.The female zombie positioned on either side of the poster creates tension, which shows that in terms of the design of the poster, 'Against The Dark' conforms to the typical expectations of the thriller genre.
Although the make-up used here is rather simple, it is rather realistic. For my own posters and DVD cover, I shall use the dark shadows effect, with a pale face, which will create a rather effective zombie look.
I feel that the fake blood used on this poster looks rather realistic, therefore representing the zombie as sinister, and threatening. I shall use fake blood for my own posters and DVD cover to create a realistic and frightening effect.
I feel that the eyes are too edited in this photo, as it does not represent a realistic perception of a zombie. However, the hair falling in front of the face is effective, as it creates an incredibly mysterious effect. I shall therefore use this technique for my own posters and DVD cover. I also feel that the brightness, contrast and hue/saturation used in this is effective, as it dehumanises the female.
Textual Analysis of Opening Sequences:
Dawn Of The Dead - war footage in between credits - font in red, blood splattered against black background. static. spokes people.non diegetic sounds (music) adding tension.
A Nightmare On Elm Street - tina running away from antagonist. supernatural force? not immediately see him - camera shots of hands and feet - tension. victimised female - camera shot in front of her whilst running - dark corridor - conventional. long shots - unconventional? isolated boiler room. shot behind her running. non-diegetic sounds (music) adding tension.
Scream - alone in house - chase scene - victimised - diegetic sounds adding tension.
28 Days Later - footage of riots. room - dark, low key lighting - shadows. isolated building.
When A Stranger Calls - dark screen, white font. eery music - non-diegetic sounds. sound of antagonist - tension. enigma - man walking dog. camera zooming in on house. man darting past - mysterious. set in a non isolated area - fairground - unusual? silence, then diegetic sound (screaming) - uneasy atmosphere.
Textual Analysis of Opening Sequences:
Dawn Of The Dead - war footage in between credits - font in red, blood splattered against black background. static. spokes people.non diegetic sounds (music) adding tension.
A Nightmare On Elm Street - tina running away from antagonist. supernatural force? not immediately see him - camera shots of hands and feet - tension. victimised female - camera shot in front of her whilst running - dark corridor - conventional. long shots - unconventional? isolated boiler room. shot behind her running. non-diegetic sounds (music) adding tension.
Scream - alone in house - chase scene - victimised - diegetic sounds adding tension.
28 Days Later - footage of riots. room - dark, low key lighting - shadows. isolated building.
When A Stranger Calls - dark screen, white font. eery music - non-diegetic sounds. sound of antagonist - tension. enigma - man walking dog. camera zooming in on house. man darting past - mysterious. set in a non isolated area - fairground - unusual? silence, then diegetic sound (screaming) - uneasy atmosphere.
